The measure's supporters said the campaign had been challenging in part because of the need to deliver a complex message. There was talk of the coalition coming together in the future to work on other health priorities. The campaign raised more than $800,000, only to lose by a wide margin.

Fluoride opponents rejoiced at a sports bar in Northwest Portland

Mike Lindberg is a former city Councilman who opposes fluoridation. He says he felt voters responded to how last year's council got the measure on the ballot, trying to head off an anti-fluoride referendum.